Dining at the Lodge

Fantastic Fishing My wife, a nature photographer, and I, an avid fly fisherman, visited Bear Claw Lodge in early September after meeting the owners, Rob and Lisa Fuentes, at the Safari Club International annual meeting in Houston, Texas, in 2010. They made all the arrangements for us, including our air travel from Anchorage to Dillingham on Penair, where we were met by two guides from the lodge for the van and boat trip to the lodge on Lake Aleknagik just inland from Bristol Bay in SW Alaska. The lodge has spectacular views across the lake, a comfortable lounge and dining room. Our room at the top of the stairs was spacious and next to the bathroom.

Although the lodge was in the process of closing during our stay, we were made to feel right at home by Rob, his staff of six guides, and the cooks. The meals were hearty and delicious - just the thing after a day in the field. The fishing was more than I could have wished for. I drift fished the Alekinak River that runs into the Lake and waded Sunshine Creek at the far end of the Lake. In addition to rainbow trout, which I had caught before in the Lower 48, I caught my first grayling, arctic char, Dolly Varden, sockeye, and silver salmon during my three day stay. My wife had plenty of opportunities to photograph eagles and the spectacular landscapes around the lake. Due to it being late in the season, there were few bears around - which was OK with me as a fisherman.

By the time we left, we felt like we were old friends with the staff. This was a highlight of our trip to Alaska.

World Class Trout and Salmon Fishing with Budget Pricing My father and I have visited Bearclaw Lodge annually for the past dozen years or more. Although we’ve fished across the lower 48 and in other key destinations (Europe, New Zealand) there is simply nothing that compares with bush Alaska, the Wood-Tikchik river system, or Bearclaw Lodge. When they say 100+ fish days, they actually mean it. We’ve had back-to-back doubles for an hour straight in June. We’ve had days with non-stop dry fly action in July. We’ve seen bead action in August that would blow your mind. We’ve caught boatloads of 24”+ rainbows in a week. We’ve seen the SW Alaska June grand slam (char, dolly, bows, grayling, kings, sockeye) numerous times from clients ranging from beginner to expert. All of this is thanks to Rob, Lisa, and the incomparable guide team they maintain year after year. When additionally viewed through the filter of price, Bearclaw is a value you can’t beat almost anywhere in the world. Highly recommended.

I have been four times all the way from Japan taking over 18 hours with long distance international flight and long layover time at Anchorage waiting Penair.
(Better to take Alaskan once a day jet flight to Dillingham)
But, It is worth going multiple times, since you can catch almost all species in freshwater in AK.
I trust the best time to visit is either early July for King and Sockeye or Mid August for Silver. But,Its not too bad to achieve grandslam of salmon in end of July.
The lodge located beside beautiful lake, you can enjoy great scenery on fine day.
Owner Rob and his wife Lisa are taking care of me recommending bear or wine after fishing.
I am keeping in touch with some of friendly fishing guides even now.
Most of the gears providing including wading gear, but no double hand or switch rod, recommend you to bring your own if you need.

Rob and Lisa Fuentes have perfected the southwestern Alaska lodge adventure! We are headed back for our fifth visit this year and we cannot wait to return. …

My wife, a nature photographer, and I, an avid fly fisherman, visited Bear Claw Lodge in early September after meeting the owners, Rob and Lisa Fuentes, at the Safari Club International annual meeting in Houston, Texas, in 2010. …